Stichting Ijzersterk joined the NBIA Alliance in October, 2012 and has been busy promoting NBIA awareness in the Netherlands. Friends and families have held several fundraisers, with the latest held on May 24-25 and raising approximately $30,000 for our Research Fund.

A Netherlands fundraiser May 24 and 25 was organized by friends of Jaela Nagel. The event started with a five-hour spinning (stationary bike) marathon organized in cooperation with Rules for Health, a local fitness centre, where some 70 people participated from 30 minutes to five hours. The next day, about 1,000 friends of Jaela attended a benefit concert featuring TV personality Klaas Drupsteen as the master of ceremonies. Local gospel choirs and bands performed and an auction and raffle were also held.

Jaela really enjoyed herself and inspired people with her cheerfulness. With help from local businesses and the community, Jaela’s friends helped raise about $30,000 for our Research Fund.

This fundraiser will help fund a research grant in our new grant cycle starting later this summer. We will add to the grant fund, with help from our supporters and award grants in 2014.